TheatreWashington Star Gala & Benefit Auction

The 27-year old Helen Hayes Awards have been transformed into theatreWashington, the only organization dedicated solely to promoting, representing and supporting all segments of Washington’s professional theatre community. On Oct. 28, the 2011 Helen’s Star was presented to theatre patron and donor Jaylee Mead, who Washingtonian magazine credited for helping make “the Washington-area theatre-building boom possible.” In his introductory remarks, Board Chairman Victor Shargai said “tonight we metaphorically raise the curtain on theatreWashington.” Sebastian Clark of Doyle New York led a live auction that included escapes to Nevis, Thailand, Canada, Peru and two premium house seats for Book of Mormon on Broadway.